Islamorada Tuna Fishing
Blackfin Tuna | Year-Round on the Reef Edge
Blackfin Tuna out of Islamorada
Blackfin tuna are the workhorse of the Florida Keys — 5 to 30+ lbs, found year-round from the reef edge to offshore wrecks, stacking on current seams and feeding hard on glass minnows and flying fish.
Islamorada sits just 15 miles from the Gulf Stream edge, one of the closest access points in the continental U.S. That means less running and more fishing — and blackfin are almost always around.
A chunky blackfin on light tackle is a legitimate fight. They run, they dive, and they make the best sushi you've ever had straight off the boat.
🔥 Chunking triggers feeding frenzies — when the school comes up, it's chaos.
Tuna by the Numbers
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Blackfin Tuna
5 – 30 lbs | Year-Round
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Blackfin Tuna
5 – 30+ lbs | Year-Round
- 🌊
Gulf Stream
15 Miles from Islamorada
- 🎣
Method
Trolling / Chunking / Live Bait
From the DirtyBoat Catch Log
Blackfin on the DirtyBoat 2.0
Repping the Gear
Nothing better than happy customers in DirtyBoat gear holding up a fat blackfin at the dock. These fish hit hard, run fast, and make incredible sushi — the ultimate reef-to-table experience.
Blackfin are year-round in Islamorada. Live bait on the reef edge and current seams is the program.
Captain Kit & Mike
Two grins, one big blackfin. Blackfin tuna are the year-round workhorse of the DirtyBoat — always around, always ready to eat.
First Mate John — Shipwreck Blackfin
Pulled from a shipwreck on live bait. Get the right bait in front of the right structure and it's game on.
Book a Tuna Charter
Best action at dawn and dusk. Select your date for an offshore tuna pursuit.
Check Affiliate Private Availability
If DirtyBoat is booked, we can still get your group on the water. Our partner fleet—Miss Penny, Just Cuz, and Blue Heaven—are vetted to the DirtyBoat standard.
The Tuna Playbook
Both species hit live bait, jigs, and small feathers. Best action comes early morning and at sunset when the schools push to the surface. Chunking — chumming with chunks of cut bait — triggers feeding frenzies that bring tuna boiling to the surface.
- 🎣 Trolling: Covering ground with feathers and skirted lures along the Stream edge.
- 🔥 Chunking: Anchoring up and creating a chum slick to draw the school.
- ⚡ Live Bait: Goggle-eyes and pilchards freelined in the chum trail.
"When the blackfin stack up on a wreck, every rod on the boat bends at once."
Gulf Stream Advantage
Islamorada's proximity to the Gulf Stream is what makes it special. Just 15 miles offshore, you're in blue water where blackfin tuna patrol the temperature breaks, current edges, and reef structure. Most other ports require 40-60 miles of running to reach the same water.
The 42-foot Liberty Express eats those miles quickly, and Captain Kit Carson knows every temperature break, color change, and shipwreck where tuna stack up. Blackfin tuna are year-round in Islamorada — always around, always ready to eat.
Voyage Details
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Duration
Full 8 Hours
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Crew
Up to 6 People
Bring to the Boat
- 🔱 Quick-dry clothing
- 🔱 Polarized sunglasses
- 🔱 Sunscreen & Lip Balm
- 🔱 Heavy Rations (Long Day)
- 🔱 Booty for the Mate (15-20%)
Provisions Included
- ✔️ Tournament Grade Tackle
- ✔️ Live Bait & Chum
- ✔️ Federal Fishing Licenses
- ✔️ Ice & Cold Water
- ✔️ Catch Cleaning
Articles of Agreement
Payment of Bounty
Online bookings require full payment via modern currency (Credit Card/Digital). Cash is always king at the Robbie's Marina dock.
The Mate's Tip
"A hardworking crew deserves a share." Customary gratuity is 15%-20%.
Voyage Cancellation
- • 14+ Days: Full refund (less 6% fee).
- • 7-13 Days: 50% refund.
- • Weather/Captain Call: Full refund or credit.
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